WASHINGTON STATE

Washington State House Democrats

HOUSE DEMOCRATS

Moving Forward: An Update from Rep. McBride on the Budget and More

Hello from Olympia! What an incredible adventure this first legislative session has been. I had the opportunity to work with new colleagues, community and business leaders to be an effective voice for the 48th District. While we’re still working hard, we had to continue into a special session to work out budget differences between the Senate and the House. It has been an honor to serve you thus far and I look forward to continuing our journey.

Please know my office is always open and I welcome your questions and ideas. Feel free to contact me at my Bellevue office at 425-453-6424 or email me at joan.mcbride@leg.wa.gov. Thank you so much.

Best Wishes,

Joan

 Washington State Legislative Sup

Our Budget: Works for everyone, not just the wealthy few

A lot of talk has been going on about what will happen with the budget. I’m sorry to say the Senate Republicans have refused our efforts to negotiate and have been blaming us in the press. While claiming they want to negotiate, they refuse to consider our proposals and instead want to cut tens of millions out of the State Need Grant, raid the marijuana prevention and education funding setup by I-502, and pass a major property tax increase.

The House Democrat’s budget aligns our shared values and makes real investments in the future of our economy and the well-being of our children, families, and communities.

Our plan increases funding for K-12 education by 21%, adding in all-day kindergarten statewide, reduces class sizes for K-3, and provides funding for important everyday tools like textbooks, classroom supplies, and general school operating costs. We’re also investing in college-readiness programs, and giving our hard working teachers and school employees a LONG overdue cost of living increase.

We’re also investing in early learning opportunities and child care. We’re freezing college tuition while increasing the funding for the State Need Grant so both middle class and low income students have the chance at a college education.

Finally, we’re putting much needed funding into our mental health and social safety net programs. Everyone deserves dignity and respect and, unfortunately, our current mental health system is leaving too many people with mental illnesses in prisons, emergency rooms, or on the streets, because there is no room at our mental health facilities. By funding more beds in community mental health facilities and state hospitals, we can make sure that people are getting the treatment they need.

To me, the choice is clear: We must fund a budget that is responsible and meets both our constitutional and moral obligations. A budget is a values statement about who we are and what we believe in. If we simply cut, cut, cut and leave those with the most need behind, we are failing. But if we choose to move forward together and make investments in our future, we will have a stronger, healthier, and happier Washington for everyone.

Investing in transportation for our communities

Our economy depends on businesses being able to efficiently transport goods and products to markets both local and international. Commuters need to be able to get to their jobs without wasting time and money stuck in traffic. A 21st century transportation system is how we build an economy that works for everyone, not just the wealthy few. Our proposal would create 100,000 jobs across Washington.

With the House Transportation Budget we’ll see major improvements in our community, like:

  • The SR 520 Regional Bike Path and Trail in Bellevue
  • The NE 52nd Street Boulevard in Kirkland
  • SR 520 Trail Grade Separation at 40th Street and Bike Share Expansion in Redmond
  • Widening of the I-405 Renton to Lynnwood corridor
  • Funding for the SR 520/148th Ave NE Overlake and SR 520/124th St interchange projects

This package will also help cut down on gridlock by investing in transportation choices like rail, transit, bicycle and pedestrian infrastructure. Communities will have the option to invest in themselves through expanded local transportation revenue options, including the full authorization for Sound Transit 3 to expand reliable, congestion-free light rail.

Most importantly, this is an honest package that reflects Washington values. Unlike the Senate proposal, it doesn’t divert sales tax revenue to pay for transportation or raid money that is dedicated to funding environmental cleanup. Nor does it count that money multiple times, like the fuzzy math that Republicans have used in their operating budget. Our package builds a world-class, multimodal transportation system without mortgaging our schools, our environment, or our future.

 Washington State Legislative Sup

Helping our firefighters do their jobs

I was honored to stand with firefighters and families as we watched Governor Inslee sign my legislation, House Bill 1222, into law in April. This new law will allow firefighters to focus on the tough job they do every day, protecting our families and communities during times of crisis. They shouldn’t have to worry about whether their vehicles weigh a few too many pounds. My bill removes weight limits on fire trucks so local departments are able to make their own choices about what kind of equipment is appropriate for them to do their jobs.

Video Update: What we’ve accomplished so far and what to expect from special session

Click the image below to see my final video update of the 2015 regular session, where I share my thoughts on how much we accomplished this year, and what’s at stake during the special session.